To Prevent Corruption and Collusion, BGN Chief Sudaryono Tightens Meeting Rules
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has affirmed that his office is tightening the rules governing meetings between BGN officials and parties with vested interests, such as kitchen partners, suppliers and vendors. The measure is intended to prevent suspected unethical practices as well as slander against the institution.
Sudaryono announced the policy in conjunction with the inauguration of BGN’s Integrated Service Centre and Media Centre. According to him, all complaints, consultations and communications with the BGN must go through the official channels provided.
“This demonstrates our commitment: we want everything to be completely transparent, nothing hidden, nothing done quietly, nothing under the table. Everything must be out in the open,” Sudaryono said at a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/7/2026).
He explained that the BGN applies a “green zone” concept as a public service space open to all members of society. Conversely, a “red zone” prohibits closed-door meetings between officials and parties with specific interests.
“So the integrated service centre is called the green zone. Everyone is received there. The green zone is where people may meet with others. But if there is a green zone, then there is also what we call a red zone. The red zone, for example, is when someone with an interest meets with an official about their own interests — that is not allowed. So all complaints and all matters that need to be discussed must be discussed officially,” he said.
Sudaryono acknowledged that he personally also limits direct meetings with partners and suppliers connected to the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG). According to him, although no violation would necessarily occur, such meetings could breed negative perceptions among the public.
“Including myself, I personally limit people who perhaps own a kitchen, or are a partner, a supplier or whatever it may be — I limit them from being received in my office. It is not certain that if I receive them, I would then discuss unethical matters. But if I receive them, it makes people suspicious. That is how slander arises,” he said.
“So rather than being suspected by people, especially by the public, by netizens, by society at large — and with those suspicions being negative ones — it is better that we avoid it altogether,” he continued.
Not only applicable to himself, Sudaryono stressed that the rule also applies to the entire BGN hierarchy down to echelon level.
“At echelon level one, echelon level two and so on, I strictly forbid receiving interested parties in secret, quietly. Everything must be responded to in a proper, correct manner,” Sudaryono asserted.
Furthermore, Sudaryono asked the public, including those who know him personally, to submit complaints or questions through BGN’s official channels rather than via private channels.
“So my point is, to anyone who knows us, that is fine. They may have our WhatsApp numbers, but please do not message us directly, to avoid this kind of slander. It is better to keep using the proper channels. If you are all my friends, if you care about me, please lodge your complaints, your questions, through the channels we have provided,” he concluded.